VIOFO A119 Mini 2 vs. REDTIGER F7NS
Dash Cam Comparison Review

Now in terms of video resolution, the REDTIGER F7NS is advertised as a 4K dash cam, with its rear recording in full HD. But if you take a look at its sample footage online, you might probably have some doubts if it's capturing 4K because of the grain and lighting. While the camera is promoted as having 4K resolution, we found out that it's not a true 4K dash cam. The maximum native resolution of the F7NS is 2592 x 1944p, of the 5MP Sony IMX355 CMOS sensor, and this is what the F7NS is equipped with. Remember, the native resolution of 4K cameras must be 3840 x 2160p. Therefore, REDTIGER’s 4K video has been interpolated and does not offer authentic 4K. And since it has a rear camera option, the resolution will still be downgraded if that is connected. Note that running the front and rear cameras with 2160p resolution will reduce the frame rate for both the front and rear cameras from 30fps to 24 fps. Still, at the very least the Redtiger does have the option to add a rear camera, while the A119 Mini 2 remains a front-only model.

Meanwhile, there’s the VIOFO A119 Mini 2, humbly advertising its 2K QHD but performing closely to 4K dash cams — we mean, premium 4K dash cams. In fact, just like the “4K” F7Ns, the A119 Mini 2 also records with a maximum resolution of 2592 x 1944p, beautifully capturing sharper footage through the Sony STARVIS 2 IMX 675 sensor. The VIOFO A119 Mini 2 also offers a wider dynamic range of 78 dB in a single exposure –significantly higher compared to the previous generation STARVIS sensors. The VIOFO A119 Mini 2 can record 2K QHD @ 60 fps for less motion blur.

Now let’s talk about parking mode – a must-have security feature for dash cams. We’re happy to know that both the Mini 2 and F7NS have parking mode, although a bit disappointed to know that REDTIGER only supports non-buffered recording.

On the other hand, the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 includes buffered parking mode, ensuring there’s recording before and after the event. Aside from this, the parking mode options in the A119 Mini 2 includes Auto Event Detection, Time Lapse and Low Bitrate Mode.

Since we usually use parking mode when we leave the car at night, the night vision feature is important, and VIOFO has implemented its most advanced Super Night Vision 2.0 to the A119 Mini 2. This means that compared to the F7NS, the Mini 2 has the highest sensitivity and lower noise when capturing footage at night. Moreover, the multiple HDR of the Mini 2 is more necessary compared to the REDTIGER’s WDR in capturing during night time, balancing extremely bright and dark areas to accurately catch details recorded at night.

Going on to the features, the REDTIGER is built with a GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity – 2.4GHz wifi to be exact, which is useful in connecting to the REDTIGER app if you wish to playback videos or configure settings. VIOFO also has a dedicated mobile app, however, is more reliable in terms of connectivity with the A119 Mini 2’s dual-band Wi-Fi, 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

Like the F7NS, the Mini 2 also has GPS, but offers more features that make the drive more convenient. One of its notable upgrades is Voice Controls. The A119 Mini 2 is VIOFO’s first model with voice controls, making the A119 Mini 2 now easier to use than ever. With this feature, you can ask the dash cam to perform simple operations such as start/stop recording, take images, and turn on/off WiFi by using simple voice commands, keeping you focused on the road. On top of it, it can also notify you with updates on storage, features, recording modes, and video protection status through Voice Notifications.

Moreover, in terms of storage capacity, the maximum SD card of the REDTIGER is only 256 GB - smaller than the A119 Mini 2’s 512 GB.

Despite it not being a true 4K dash cam, having non-buffered recording, and basic dash cam features, the REDTIGER F7NS is priced at $119.99 – the same price as the brand new VIOFO A119 Mini 2.

For us, the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 is the clear winner. While the REDTIGER F7NS claims that it can capture 4K, its image sensor and video quality say otherwise. On the other hand, the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 is a true 2K QHD dash cam, but can be compared with premium 4K dash cams due to its Sony STARVIS 2 IMX 675 technology, Super Night Vision 2.0, HDR, and a frame rate up to 60fps.

In terms of convenience, the A119 Mini 2 is a winner as well. The REDTIGER only has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, and its parking mode is also non-buffered. We also noticed that they don’t have a website, and most customers are complaining about not being able to receive customer support.

And that’s not the case with VIOFO. With the A119 Mini 2, you get buffered recording with three parking mode options, dual-band Wi-Fi, GPS, Voice notifications, and Smart Voice Controls.Best of all, you can enjoy all these pros of the A119 Mini 2 for only $119.99.